Sporting news

DePaul has played most of its men's basketball home games at the Allstate Arena in suburban Chicago since 1980. But that could change soon, the Chicago Tribune reports.

School officials are in serious discussions to move to the United Center, home the NBA's Chicago Bulls and the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks, the newspaper reports. The move, which would mean a shorter trip to games for students, could come as soon as the 2013-14 season.

The Tribune could not reach DePaul athletic director Jean Lenti Ponsetto for a comment, but a school spokesman issued a statement that did not deny the possibility of a move.

The statement points out the school's 2018 strategic plan lists a goal to "seek opportunities to bring men's basketball back into the city. To that end, DePaul will consider any proposal that will help us accomplish that goal. As of now, however, nothing definitive has been forthcoming."

Before the 1980-81 season, DePaul played its home games on campus.

DePaul's basketball program in recent years has become a Big East doormat. The Blue Demons haven't had a winning season since 2007 and have lost more than 20 games three times in the last four seasons. DePaul's last NCAA Tournament appearance was in 2004.

Tasked with turning things around is Oliver Purnell, entering his third season as head coach.